A "Defending Champion" refers to an individual or team that won a competition in the previous year and is competing again to retain their title. This term is commonly used in various sports, such as football, tennis, and basketball, where the defending champion is often seen as a strong contender due to their past success. In many tournaments, the defending champion may face heightened expectations and pressure from fans and opponents alike. Their performance is closely watched, as they aim to prove their skill and maintain their status as the best in their category.